Speaking at a flag-raising and wreath laying ceremonies to mark this year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, Mr Ofosu, reminded the world of the extraordinary courage of those who serve on the frontlines of conflict, fostering peace and restoring hope for millions in challenging conflict situations around the world.
He also paid tribute to the heroes who had paid the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers, held on May 29 annually, is an international day to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and courage and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of
peace.

The Minister said UN peacekeeping represents humanity's collective commitment to prevent and limit armed conflict, sustain peace, as well as address evolving threats to global peace and security.

He said over the past several decades, peacekeeping has demonstrated its effectiveness as a vital multilateral tool for promoting stability.
He said by contributing to the protection of civilians, empowering communities, and supporting humanitarian efforts, peacekeeping had helped build safer, more resilient societies, while enhancing the participation of women and youth in the decision-making processes.

"Today, however, UN peace operations face demands that are not only expanding in scope but also deepening in complexity, even as the global order experiences increasing fragmentation and unpredictability," Mr Ofosu stated.

"From escalating conflicts fueled by heightened change, and evolving security threats, peacekeepers confront multidimensional geopolitical tensions, to trust deficit among some actors, destabilising the impact of climate challenges in an increasingly difficult and complex environment.

"In parallel, peacekeeping operations often face inadequate funding, unclear mandates, and political constraints that hinder their effectiveness."

Mr Ofosu said in that context, they must direct their collective focus towards some key imperatives; firstly, for multilateralism to effectively deliver peace and stability in an increasingly complex environment, it rests on their individual and collective commitment to deepening collaboration between the UN and regional organisations, such as the African Union.

This, he said, required strengthening and empowering such regional organisations to play their vital role in the maintenance of international peace and security in today's complex world in line with the UN Charter.
He said Ghana recognises the importance of deepening collaboration between the UN and regional organisations, such as the African Union.

Mr Osama Makkawi, the UN Resident Coordinator and interim Representative, UNICEF Ghana, said Ghana had long stood as a steadfast pillar of UN Peacekeeping efforts, with a distinguished legacy dating back to the early 1960s.

"Today, we proudly recognize Ghana's remarkable contributions, as the nation ranks seventh among 122 troop- contributing countries-a testament to its enduring commitment to global peace and security."

Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah